University of Miami

What you'll study

The Master’s in Psychology combines foundational coursework in research methods and statistics with advanced topical modules and applied training. Core subjects typically include psychological research methods, multivariate statistics or advanced data analysis, and ethics in psychological practice. Elective and specialist modules may cover cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, social and personality psychology, clinical psychopathology, psychological assessment, and intervention techniques.

Students usually choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks. The thesis track emphasises original empirical research conducted under faculty supervision and culminates in a written thesis and defence. The non-thesis track commonly includes additional practicum hours, a capstone research project, or seminar-style coursework. Practical elements such as supervised practicum, internship placements in community agencies, schools or healthcare settings, and laboratory rotations are central to the curriculum, giving hands-on experience in assessment, treatment planning, and experimental methods.

Entry requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, typically in psychology or a closely related field; applicants with other undergraduate backgrounds are considered if they demonstrate relevant coursework or experience.
• A competitive undergraduate academic record; many successful applicants hold a solid GPA in their major coursework.
• Submission materials generally include a personal statement describing research interests and career goals, a curriculum vitae or resume, and two or three academic or professional letters of recommendation.
• Research experience, clinical or volunteer experience, and coursework in statistics or research methods strengthen applications.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests unless exempt; additional documentation such as transcripts evaluated for equivalence may be required.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master’s in Psychology pursue a variety of career paths. Common options include:

• Research assistant or coordinator roles in university labs, private research firms, or public-sector research projects.
• Positions in applied settings such as mental health agencies, community organisations, school-based services, and rehabilitation centres—often under supervision or as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Human resources, organisational development and personnel assessment roles in the private sector, where psychological assessment and data-analysis skills are valuable.
• Further postgraduate study: many graduates use the Master’s as preparation for doctoral programmes (PhD or PsyD) in clinical, counselling, school or experimental psychology.
• Careers in public policy, programme evaluation, or health services research that draw on training in research design and statistics.

Why study at University of Miami

The University of Miami offers access to a research-active faculty engaged across clinical, cognitive, developmental and social psychology, providing opportunities to join ongoing laboratory projects and interdisciplinary initiatives. The university’s location in a large, culturally diverse metropolitan area gives students access to a wide range of practicum and internship placements in healthcare, schools and community organisations, enriching applied training and multicultural competence.

Students benefit from institutional resources such as modern laboratory facilities, neuroimaging and assessment equipment where available, and collaboration across related disciplines (e.g. neuroscience, public health, education). The programme’s emphasis on both rigorous research training and supervised applied experience prepares graduates for a spectrum of careers or for continuation to doctoral-level study.